50 Best of the Non-BCS: Number 44
The Verdict: Unless you're a quarterback it is awfully hard to get noticed down in Ruston, Louisiana, but fans across the country would be right to keep their eyes out this year for junior Bulldog wide receiver Philip Livas. While a lesser writer might make a crack at the 5-foot-8 Livas as resembling a Smurf in his home blues, we're willing to look past the junior's stature when discussing his merits as both a return man and a receiver. A first team All-WAC selection a season ago, Livas led the conference in average yards per punt return, scoring twice on punt returns while also adding a touchdown on a kick return. Once more, the speedy junior had a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown called back during the year. A versatile playmaker with exceptional quickness and balance, Livas also led the Bulldogs in receiving a year ago, snagging 43 balls for 607 yards despite inconsistent quarterback play from Taylor Bennett to start the year. With a better entrenched quarterback back in Ross Jenkins this year I expect Livas to put up All-WAC type numbers at receiver and to continue to be a game-changer in the return game.
Past Players: [#50: Navy LB Ross Pospisil] [#49: Fresno State RB Ryan Mathews] [#48: Wyoming DT John Fletcher] [#47: BSU WR Briggs Orsbon] [#46: EMU QB Andy Schmitt] [#45: Marshall TE Cody Slate]
